CLINTON TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT OF MEETING
OCTOBER 14, 2004
PRESENT: Norman Yurkie, Chairperson
Pamela Weiss, Vice-Chairperson
Denise C. Trombley, Secretary
Fred Gibson
Michael Matway
Ken Pearl
Dennis C. Tomlinson
John D. Truax (arrived at 6:32 p.m.)
ABSENT: Kirkanne Moseley (Excused)
STAFF: Carlo Santia, Director
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mr. Santia informed that the Department of Planning and Community Development received a
letter this afternoon from the petitioner of Item #4 – St. Clair Villas Condominiums, requesting
to withdraw their item from tonight’s agenda. He noted that they are purchasing adjacent
property and will be revising their plan to incorporate the additional land.
Motion by Mr. Matway, supported by Ms. Weiss, to approve the agenda as amended, with the
deletion of Item #4. Roll Call Vote: Aye – Matway, Weiss, Gibson, Pearl, Tomlinson, Yurkie,
Truax, Trombley. Nay – None. Absent – Moseley. Motion carried.
1.5 ACRES OF LAND FRONTING THE NORTH LINE OF CANAL ROAD, WEST OF
GARFIELD ROAD (SECTION 7)
- SUNNYBROOK PARK CONDOMINIUMS
-- REQUEST FOR RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL OF SITE
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
FILE #5839: PETITIONED BY LORENZO GARRISI
*Tabled from July 8, 2004 Meeting
Pertinent correspondence was read and entered into the record.
Clinton Township Planning Commission 2
Report of Meeting – October 14, 2004
John Beatty, representing Sunshine Homes, explained that they have complied with all of the
Township ordinances and look forward to development of this project.
Mr. Tomlinson inquired as to they type of landscaping they intend to plant in the rear of the
property.
Larry Garrisi, 42452 Hayes Road, Suite #4, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038, replied that they
will be planting grass and installing a sprinkler system in the rear yard. He added that they intend
to plant a few trees and evergreens on the west side.
Mr. Tomlinson inquired as to what type of trees they are proposing for the east and the north.
Mr. Garrisi reiterated that there will be grass along the east and the north, with a few trees
scattered across the area. He clarified that they will be planting sporadic trees, but not in a row.
Mr. Yurkie confirmed that this project meets all of the Township ordinances. He added that an
ordinance amendment which affects this particular project has recently been adopted.
Richard Switka, 16221 Scenic, Clinton Township, Michigan 48035, recalled that the
petitioner had previously requested a variance but is now complying with the ordinance.
He inquired as to whether there will be a wall or fence between his property and the
subject site. He further recalled that at the Board of Appeals meeting, Mr. Garrisi had
stated he would meet with the neighbors and try to work with them. Mr. Switka
complained that Mr. Garrisi did not try to get in touch with them after that meeting.
Mr. Beatty replied to inquiry that they do not intend to erect a wall, but they plan on keeping the
existing fence. He acknowledged that they must comply with the ordinance requirements and
will plant a few trees, if necessary.
Mr. Yurkie was confident that Mr. Garrisi will want an attractive development and will also want
to work with the neighboring residents to obtain their input on landscaping.
Mr. Switka inquired as to how many stories the building will be.
Mr. Yurkie replied to inquiry that each building will be three stories; however, he assured that
they will not exceed the maximum 35-foot height requirement.
Mr. Santia replied to inquiry that the buildings will have garages on the lower level, with two-
story units above, but he confirmed that the buildings will not exceed 35 feet in height. He
explained that the Township Board recently adopted an ordinance amendment that permits 3-
story buildings with a maximum height of 35 feet in the multiple-family residential district. He
noted that the ordinance previously allowed maximum 2-1/2-story buildings; however, the
maximum height requirement has not changed. He assured the plan is in accordance with the
plan as adopted. Mr. Santia pointed out that the petitioner was seeking a setback variance from
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Report of Meeting – October 14, 2004
the Board of Appeals, but he redesigned the site to come into conformance with the current
ordinance requirements. Mr. Santia clarified that the petitioner is not required to provide a wall
along his property line because his property abuts other residential communities. He stated that
the petitioner wants to keep the fence and if it needs repair, the Township will make sure it is
repaired before he obtains final occupancy permits.
Mr. Switka felt a wall should be required between the subject property and the abutting
parcels.
Mr. Santia reiterated that a wall is not required to separate properties that are both residentially
zoned.
Mr. Switka was concerned that headlights from cars pulling into the subject development
will shine onto his property and he questioned how they will be shielded.
Mr. Santia felt that the layout of the development will not result in headlights shining into
neighboring properties. He replied to inquiry that they would only need to provide a wall if they
were abutting single-family residential or industrial property.
Mr. Matway inquired as to what standard the Township uses for “sporadic trees”.
Mr. Santia clarified that although the ordinance does not have a specific requirement for
landscaping in multiple-family residential, there is some landscaping that is required, and he
assured the Township will require sufficient landscaping for the site.
Mr. Garrisi replied to inquiry that there are six ranch units and four 2-1/2 -story units. He added
that they will be all brick and have been designed by Tringali, one of the top architectural firms
in Michigan. He stated that he has always constructed top-quality buildings that he is very proud
of, and he felt this will be a good addition to the community.
Sue Agnello, 16190 Scenic, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038, vice-president of
Parkridge Homeowners Association, recalled that the petitioner went before the Board of
Appeals on March 17, 2004, seeking variances. He was instructed at that meeting to meet
with the five members of the Parkridge Board so that he could come up with a plan that
the neighbors would be happy with. She complained that he has made no attempt to meet
with any of the board members, and she further complained that at that time, he was
proposing all ranch units but has now changed that plan to include 2-1/2 story buildings.
She inquired as to whether the 2-1/2 story buildings will be towering over their units.
She also felt that he should be required to plant more trees.
Mr. Santia clarified that Mr. Garrisi was requesting a setback variance and the Board of Appeals
asked him to work with the neighbors or to redesign the site to eliminate the need for the
variance. Mr. Garrisi decided to reconfigure the site to meet the ordinance, and he did not need
to go back to the Board of Appeals; therefore, he was not obligated to meet with the neighbors.
He explained that the Ordinance Update Committee made modifications regarding height and
Clinton Township Planning Commission 4
Report of Meeting – October 14, 2004
setback requirements in the RML Multiple-Family Residential (Low-Density) and SP-1 Special
Purpose (Nursing Homes) Districts, and those modifications were adopted by the Township
Board.
Ms. Agnello inquired as to how happy Mr. Santia would be to have someone directly
behind in a 2-1/2 story building, looking down at his property.
Mr. Santia reiterated that although it is a 2-1/2 story building, it does not exceed the 35-foot
maximum height requirement.
Barbara Pierce, 16321 Scenic, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038, inquired as to
whether they will be stacked units.
Mr. Garrisi replied that they will be stacked units. He emphasized that they positioned the ranch
units on the east side, which is abutting the Parkridge Condominiums. The stacked units are in
the back, abutting the courtyard in Parkridge, where no one will be directly affected.
Mr. Yurkie commented that after reviewing the plans and knowing the high-quality work that
Mr. Garrisi does, he feels comfortable recommending approval of this plan. He did not feel it
will be a detriment but felt it will add to the value of the surrounding area, and will be more
attractive than what is currently there.
Joe Scorsese, 16191 Scenic, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038, inquired as to whether
there are plans to widen Canal Road, because it is extremely congested.
Mr. Santia explained that the Road Commission of Macomb County is responsible for the roads
in the Township. He stated that the only improvement he is aware of is some impending work at
the intersection of Canal and Hayes. He informed that the Road Commission is looking to
reconfigure the intersection, but there are no plans to widen Canal Road. Mr. Santia replied to
inquiry that the subject site will have access to both Canal Road and Hayes. He replied to
concern from the residents of Parkridge that water pressure will not be affected by this
development.
Mr. Pearl sympathized with the residents of Parkridge that it is difficult to see new developments
going in, but he pointed out that the proposed development meets all of the ordinance
requirements. He felt it will bring higher value to the neighboring properties, and he cautioned
that unless they buy the abutting property to keep it vacant, they cannot stop it from being
developed. He added that there were most likely residents in the area several years ago who did
not want Parkridge going in. He stated he hoped that the petitioner will build a quality
development.
Mr. Scorsese complained that Canal needs a passing lane at Cimarron. He did not feel it
would cost much for the Road Commission to put in the passing lane to ease some of the
traffic congestion on Canal.
Clinton Township Planning Commission 5
Report of Meeting – October 14, 2004
Mr. Santia recalled that there was a right-of-way issue and that they do not have sufficient right-
of-way to put in a passing lane. He stated it was originally paved around 1976 and at that time
they did not have the right-of-way to pave a passing lane. He stated the Road Commission can
look at it, but they have a lot of priorities and money problems with the decrease in revenue
sharing. He felt it would be a matter they would consider if they had sufficient funds.
Motion by Ms. Weiss, supported by Mr. Matway, with reference to File #5839 and application
from Lorenzo Garrisi, Sunshine Homes, 42452 Hayes Road, Suite 4, Clinton Township,
Michigan 48038, concerning the proposed site development for Sunnybrook Park
Condominiums, to be located on 1.5 acres of land fronting the north line of Canal Road, west of
Garfield Road (Section 7), that recommendation be forwarded to the Clinton Township Board for
approval of the site development plan as submitted. Roll Call Vote: Aye – Weiss, Matway,
Gibson, Pearl, Tomlinson, Truax, Yurkie, Trombley. Nay – None. Absent – Moseley. Motion
carried.
LOTS 1 & 2, LIBERTY INDUSTRIAL SUBDIVISION (SECTION 1)
- LIBERTY PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER
-- REQUEST RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL OF SITE DEVELOPMENT
PLAN
FILE #5912: PETITIONED BY RICHARD GIBB AND JOHN MEUSLING
Pertinent correspondence was read and entered into the record.
Richard Gibb, 33414 Kelly Road, Clinton Township, Michigan 48035, stated he had nothing
further to add to the documentation.
Ms. Weiss inquired as to whether the Township is satisfied with the distance between the two
driveways on Hall Road. She stated she would prefer to see them further apart.
Mr. Santia explained that MDOT will give their approval and if they have issues, they will be
required to relocate it. He explained that the location of the driveway was designed for
convenience of the delivery vehicles.
John Meusling, Webber Development, 33414 Kelly Road, Clinton Township, Michigan 48035,
explained that both curb cuts for the driveways are still there; however MDOT made them get rid
of one of the driveways and keep the other.
Mr. Gibbs replied to inquiry that although they do not have specific tenants at this time, the
building will be used for retail.
Mr. Yurkie suggested that if a restaurant wishes to lease, that they locate at the intersection of the
“L”-shaped building because of the close proximity of that unit to the dumpsters behind the
building.
Clinton Township Planning Commission 6
Report of Meeting – October 14, 2004
Mr. Gibbs stated they feel a restaurant would be a good fit in the area.
Motion by Mr. Pearl, supported by Mr. Truax, with reference to File #5912 and application from
Richard Gibb and John Meusling, Webber Development Company, 33414 Kelly Road, Clinton
Township, Michigan 48035, concerning the proposed site development for Liberty Plaza
Shopping Center, to be located on Lots 1 and 2, Liberty Industrial Subdivision (Section 1),
generally located at the southwest corner of Hall Road and Morley Drive, that, in consideration
of variance granted by the Clinton Township Board of Appeals, recommendation be forwarded to
the Clinton Township Board for approval of the site development plan as submitted. Roll Call
Vote: Aye – Pearl, Truax, Gibson, Matway, Tomlinson, Weiss, Yurkie, Trombley. Nay – None.
Absent – Moseley. Motion carried.
EAST 200’ OF LOT 1, UNION LAKE SUBDIVISION (SECTION 25)
- ST. CLAIR VILLAS CONDOMINIUMS
-- REQUEST RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL OF SITE DEVELOPMENT
PLAN
FILE #5925: PETITIONED BY JOSEPH R. ZANOTTI
This item was deleted from tonight’s agenda at the request of the petitioner.
24.7 ACRES OF LAND FRONTING THE EAST LINE OF ELIZABETH ROAD, SOUTH
OF HALL ROAD (SECTION 2)
- ELIZABETH CONDOMINIUMS
-- REQUEST RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL OF SITE DEVELOPMENT
PLAN
FILE #5932: PETITIONED BY PHILLIP LEONE
Pertinent correspondence was read and entered into the record.
Phil Leone, 7220 Large Court, Shelby Township, Michigan, replied to inquiry that the units will
be all brick with basements.
Mr. Tomlinson commented that there are plans for a senior housing complex to the north of this
development.
Mr. Leone felt that will be good for the area. He replied that he has not started the engineering
phase because he was waiting for this approval. Once the engineering is done, he will submit to
Consumer’s Energy for permission to cross portions of the gas easement with pavement.
Motion by Ms. Weiss, supported by Ms. Trombley, with reference to File #5932 and application
from Philip Leone, PL & L Investments, P. O. Box 182155, Shelby Township, Michigan 48316,
concerning the proposed site development for Elizabeth Condominiums, to be located on 24.7
acres of land fronting the east line of Elizabeth Road, south of Hall Road (M-59) (Section 2), that
Clinton Township Planning Commission 7
Report of Meeting – October 14, 2004
recommendation be forwarded to the Clinton Township Board for approval of the site
development plans as submitted, contingent upon approval from Consumer’s Energy for
permission to cross portions of the gas easement with pavement. Roll Call Vote: Aye – Weiss,
Trombley, Gibson, Matway, Pearl, Tomlinson, Truax, Yurkie. Nay – None. Absent – Moseley.
Motion carried.
LOT 72, COULON FARMS SUBDIVISION (SECTION 21)
- DEVERGILIO PROPERTY
-- REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF TREE REMOVAL PLAN
FILE #T5943: PETITIONED BY JOHN DEVERGILIO
Pertinent correspondence was read and entered into the record.
John DeVergilio, 38696 Winkler, Harrison Township, Michigan 48043, explained that he wants
to remove only enough trees to build on the property. He indicated that there is a large sycamore
tree and he designed the plans in order to save the tree. He stressed that he purchased the lot
because of the trees, and he wants to save as many of them as possible.
Motion by Mr. Truax, supported by Ms. Trombley, with reference to File #T5943 and application
from John DeVergilio, 38696 Winkler, Harrison Township, Michigan 48043, concerning the
proposed tree removal plan for Lot 72, Coulon Farms Subdivision (Section 21), generally located
fronting the west line of Byriver, north of Shana, that the tree removal plan be approved as
submitted. Roll Call Vote: Aye – Truax, Trombley, Gibson, Matway, Pearl, Tomlinson, Weiss,
Yurkie. Nay – None. Absent – Moseley. Motion carried.
LOT 26 (PART OF PRIVATE CLAIM 173), ALBERT’S SUBDIVISION (SECTION 24)
- JOHNSON TREE REMOVAL PLAN
-- REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF TREE REMOVAL PLAN
FILE #T5944: PETITIONED BY GREGORY JOHNSON
Pertinent correspondence was read and entered into the record.
Gregory Johnson, 20650 Heathmore, Clinton Township, Michigan, explained that they would
like to remove all of the trees. They are all in the way of building a house and putting in a septic
field. He assured that they will plant some trees where they can once the house is built.
Mr. Santia replied to inquiry that there is no sanitary service on Albert. He noted that the lot is
large enough to accommodate a septic field, but it requires a large clear area so that the tree roots
do not get in the way.
Mr. Johnson replied to inquiry that they will have to grade the property. He replied to further
inquiry that his wife would like to plant some evergreens. He replied to still further inquiry that
he will have to put in rear yard drainage.
Clinton Township Planning Commission 8
Report of Meeting – October 14, 2004
Motion by Mr. Matway, supported by Ms. Weiss, with reference to File #T5944 and application
from Gregory & Kim Johnson, P. O. Box 278, Eastpointe, Michigan 48021, concerning the
proposed tree removal plan for Lot 26, Albert’s Subdivision (P.C. 173/Section 24), generally
located fronting the east line of Albert, south of Crocker, that the tree removal plan be approved
as submitted. Roll Call Vote: Aye – Matway, Weiss, Gibson, Pearl, Tomlinson, Truax, Yurkie,
Trombley. Nay – None. Absent – Moseley. Motion carried.
PART OF LOTS 7 & 8, CRANBROOK ESTATES SUBDIVISION (SECTION 20)
- KIRK TREE REMOVAL PLAN
-- REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF TREE REMOVAL PLAN
FILE #T5949: PETITIONED BY ROBERT KIRK
Pertinent correspondence was read and entered into the record.
Bob Kirk, 18200 Nardy, Clinton Township, Michigan 48036, explained that there are trees in the
middle of the lot where he is proposing to build his home. He explained that they would like to
keep some trees in the back, but there is not much room to maintain the trees on the side. He
replied to inquiry that all of his neighbors are in agreement with the proposed plan. He indicated
that his neighbor tried to save a couple of his trees when he built his home, but they ended up
dying within a year. He pointed out that this is a narrow lot when considering the house they are
building. He replied that it is in the Cranbrook Estates Subdivision.
Ms. Weiss commented that Cranbrook Estates is a gated community and she was not able to gain
access to the site to look at it prior to this meeting. She added that possibly this issue should be
addressed so that Board of Appeals and/or Planning Commission members can view the site and
adequately prepare for the meeting when it involves lots in gated communities.
Motion by Mr. Pearl, supported by Mr. Truax, with reference to File #T5949 and application
from Robert Kirk, 18200 Nardy, Clinton Township, Michigan 48036, concerning the proposed
tree removal plan for parts of Lots 7 and 8, Cranbrook Estates Subdivision (Section 20),
generally located west of Hidden Valley Court, south of Millar, that the tree removal plan be
approved as submitted. Roll Call Vote: Aye – Pearl, Truax, Gibson, Matway, Tomlinson,
Weiss, Yurkie, Trombley. Nay – None. Absent – Moseley. Motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
-- PROCEDURES FOR TREE REMOVAL APPLICATIONS IN GATED
COMMUNITIES
Ms. Weiss felt that prior to being submitted to the Planning Commission for their action, tree
removal plans in gated communities should be referred to the Landscape Committee and that
arrangements should be made by the Department of Planning and Community Development for
the Landscape Committee to visit the site and make their recommendations back to the Planning
Clinton Township Planning Commission 9
Report of Meeting – October 14, 2004
Commission. She felt that it would eliminate a lot of excess traffic in and out of the
neighborhood, but they can make an educated decision.
Motion by Ms. Weiss, supported by Ms. Trombley, that in the event of a Tree Removal Plan
application being received for a lot in a gated community, it should be referred to the Landscape
Committee and arrangements should be made for the committee to visit the site and refer their
findings back to the Planning Commission. Roll Call Vote: Aye – Weiss, Trombley, Gibson,
Pearl, Tomlinson, Yurkie. Nay – Matway, Truax. Absent – Moseley. Motion carried.
REPORT OF MEETING
-- APPROVAL OF AUGUST 26, 2004 REPORT
Motion by Mr. Truax, supported by Mr. Tomlinson, to approve the report of the August 26, 2004
meeting as submitted. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION ON NEXT MEETING AGENDA
Mr. Santia noted that the following items are anticipated to be on the next Planning Commission
agenda:
 Proposed rezoning of property at the southeast corner of Utica Road and Metropolitan
Parkway from OS-1 Office/Service (Low-Rise) to RMH Multiple-Family Residential
(High-Density).
 Possibly a special land use for a car wash on Garfield, south of Moravian, which is
sandwiched in between the site of the future senior housing and some multiple-family
residential property. He added that the ordinance requires this type of use to be located at
least 100 feet from residential property.
Mr. Santia mentioned that the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is going through the
process of establishing a Development Plan, and they are going to have a focus meeting on
October 27, 2004, to which everyone is invited. He suggested requesting the speaker to have a
separate session on the 28th at the next regular meeting if there is enough interest from the
Planning Commissioners.
The Planning Commissioners expressed an interest, and Mr. Santia stated he will try to arrange
it.
Clinton Township Planning Commission 10
Report of Meeting – October 14, 2004
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Mr. Yurkie, supported by Mr. Tomlinson, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Denise C. Trombley, Secretary
CLINTON TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
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